Snow adds to misery; more expected Sunday

PORTSMOUTH — Apparently last week's ice storm wasn't enough for Mother Nature, as she's socking us with two more major storms this weekend.

Karen Dandurant

PORTSMOUTH — Apparently last week's ice storm wasn't enough for Mother Nature, as she's socking us with two more major storms this weekend.

There are also reports of snow on Christmas Eve.

Despite the heavy snowfall and high winds Friday night, area police reported no major accidents.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the late afternoon snow was expected to bring an accumulation of three to five inches, with another three to five inches possible overnight.

Snow moving in Sunday is forecast to be heavy at times.

Andy Pohl, a meteorologist at NOAA's weather station in Gray, Maine, said a winter storm watch has been posted for the entire area.

"It's too early to give more specific numbers, but we're expecting at least six inches or more (by this morning)," Pohl said. "The good news is this stuff is nice and light. The next will be heavier because the temperature is warming up. Coastal areas may see a brief period of rain or ice pellets. There is the potential for some areas to see larger accumulations."

By Friday night, Portsmouth Lt. Dante Puopolo reported only two minor accidents since his shift started at 2 p.m.

"The Police Department was well prepared," Puopolo said. "We have four extra four-wheel drives that were donated for our use, if necessary, by Coast Pontiac/Cadillac.

A state police dispatcher said there were a number of calls for assistance, but nothing serious. She said there were a bunch of cars off the road during the evening rush hours, but traffic issues seemed to have calmed down for the evening.

Exeter reported no activity.

A Hampton dispatcher said that town was quiet. She said power had been restored to 98 percent of Hampton since the ice storm last Thursday, and that police are staying in close contact with Unitil officials to expedite the process of getting the rest back on.

The southern Maine towns of Eliot, Kittery and York also had no major storm-related problems — just cars sliding off the road.

The busiest places today were probably the local grocery stores.

"We had a busier day than normal," said Faith Croteau, night manager of Shaw's Supermarket on Woodbury Avenue. "The cashiers all thought it was crazy. People were buying water, batteries and milk, the things you need in case you get stuck in the house for a few days."

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